Richards, Muhammad rally Red Force in century stand

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – A century ninth-wicket stand between Marlon Richards and Uthman Muhammad propped up Trinidad and Tobago Red Force after seamer Chris Barnwell threatened to run through the innings, on the opening day of their Regional First Class Championship contest here Friday.

Opting to bat first in the fourth round encounter, Red Force were tottering on 102 for eight before Richards and Uthman, on first class debut, both struck 53 to rally the innings at Queen’s Park Oval.

West Indies limited overs batsman Jason Mohammad chipped in with 33.

Barnwell did the bulk of the damage with five for 32 while left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul claimed three for 59.

In reply, Guyana Jaguars were nine without loss, 201 runs adrift of first innings lead.

It was Barnwell, on his return from injury, who created havoc in the Red Force innings with an incisive spell.

Barbadian left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer got the breakthrough, removing left-hander Jeremy Solozano for ten to a catch at the wicket with the score on 18.

Barnwell, who replaced Reifer, then trapped Barbadian Kyle Hope lbw for 11 at 27 for two and with just two runs added, claimed Yannic Cariah cheaply for six to a good catch at third slip by Shimron Hetmyer.

A heavy downpour forced an early lunch at 33 for three and wickets continued to tumble afterward as Red Force slid further into trouble.

Left-hander Narsingh Deonarine, up against the team he represented last season, struck two boundaries in nine to hint at mounting a recovery but his efforts were short-lived, as Barnwell forced him to nick to captain Leon Johnson at third slip.

Barnwell bowled down captain Yannick Ottley for eight at 64 for five and Red Force lost two more wickets cheaply, to collapse in a heap.

Richards and Uthman then came to their side’s rescue in a stand worth 108, and which propelled the hosts past the 200-run mark.

The right-handed Richards struck three fours in an innings that lasted 116 balls in 126 minutes while Uthman was the more adventurous, facing 82 deliveries and lashing six fours and two sixes.

They took Red Force to tea at 117 for eight and dominated the Jaguars attack afterward, to ensure their side added precious runs in the final session.

The partnership eventually ended when Richards was caught at cover by Barnwell off seamer Ronsford Beaton.